More information about Pantheon

Without having lost any of its charm, this building’s age is immediately
apparent. Located at Piazza del Rotonda, which has a fountain in the center, the
Pantheon’s history dates back to times before Christ and is dedicated to all
Roman gods. The idea of building such a temple came from Marcus Agrippa, a Roman
consul, in 27 BC. However, the original temple was then rebuilt by Hadrian in
126 AD. It suffered fire damage on several occasions and has undergone many
restorations. Since the 7th century, the building no longer served as a temple
to Roman gods, but as a Christian church. During the Renaissance, it became a
tomb where many important people were buried, such as the painter Raphael and
Italian kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I. The Pantheon is a
still-functioning Catholic church.

When you look at the Pantheon from the front, its dominant features are the
enormous Corinthian columns brought over from Egypt. Each of them weighs
60 tons (54,431 kg) Above them is Latin text which translates as “Marcus
Agrippa, son of Lucius, made this building when consul for the third time”.
Behind the columns, there is a rectangular vestibule and when you finally enter
through the large bronze door—weighing 20 tons (18,143 kg)—you find
yourself standing in a large circular space with a dome above you. The dome is
actually the most remarkable part of the Pantheon. Roman architects and
engineers were able to design it in such a way that it didn't need any pillars
to support it. This cupola is constructed as an exact part of a sphere with a
diameter of 142 ft (43.3 m). There is a hole at the top of it, called an
oculus. Its aim is not just to bring light into the interior, but also to make
the roof lighter. The marble floor is original and the main altar, which depicts
Madonna with the child, comes from the 7th century AD.

Although the Pantheon still serves as a church, there is no enforced dress
code; however signs at the entrance suggest that you should have your knees and
shoulders covered. You can use your cameras inside. Because the Pantheon is a
major sight, it tends to get crowded. You should keep your bags close and keep
an eye out for pickpockets. The closest Metro stops to the temple are
Barberini - Fontana di Trevi and Spagna. It is advisable to carry a map as Rome
is full of inviting narrow streets.